Ep. 394 | Simplify Everything

The Minimalists talk about reducing digital clutter and whether “the cloud” is damaging the planet. Watch all 2 hours of episode 394 on The Minimalists Private Podcast: / theminimalists
Discussed in this episode:
00:00 Introduction
01:29 How detrimental to the planet is our use of “cloud” storage?
07:06 What do you consider “adding value”?
10:53 How do we create environmental awareness without “doom and gloom”?
15:46 Why do we get so attached to things, and how can we stop?
22:33 What can we do with old clothes that aren’t suitable for donation?
34:48 Why do we participate in so many pursuits that don’t truly matter to us, and why do we feel compelled to do so?
39:46 Listener comments and minimalism tips.
#TheMinimalists

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

How could your life be better with less?

[@CG-wv6zg]

11:57 To eliminate one more unnecessary use of plastic - go back to paper straws! It’s a utensil for a beverage that lasts 20 minutes. Don’t let it effect our planet for a lifetime. It’s one small change #pay it forward #keepourplanetgreen

[@danicegewiss862]

Donate to the homeless shelters. They take everything...clothing, food, towels, soap, and more. The benefit of helping others is amazing.

[@CG-wv6zg]

My life is more focused now. I make informed decisions about what I purchase. I don’t impulse shop since I canceled my Amazon Prime account. I have saved money, space, the environment, and have a home that exudes calm and peacefulness. I feel less burdened by things that were just filling my closets and rewarded knowing my donations will be available for people who were looking for “just that item”. It’s been rewarding on many levels and in many areas of my life.

[@tanyagriego2168]

@@CG-wv6zg 😊

[@violetaura1570]

I found myself decluttering my phone contacts today. Literally hundreds of people from my past whose presence no longer serves this new life I’ve built.

[@myaccount9498]

Great idea!! ❤

[@AkS143joyful]

You inspired me and I did this today!!! Now cleaner contacts and felt so good

[@Heavens-Humanaterian-Army]

Yes I do that a few times per year and was actually dissapointded I often have none to clear...being clean and tidy can be addictive.

[@rg-mi5hh]

Less stuff to trip on in the basement. Less to manage. Less to clean. Less to move later. Less to donate later. More space now!

[@JellybeanHouseNewfoundland]

My 15-year-old daughter makes her own clothes, re-usable bags, and other items out of other people's old clothes, bedsheets, etc., which she gets from our community swap shop. Quilters can also use relatively small scraps of fabric. Also, clothes made from 100% natural fabrics can be composted. 😊

[@annettestewart7903]

The most annoying ad currently: "Temu...shop like a billionaire" I go out of my way to block it every time!!!

[@ren8240]

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind!" - Dr Suess

[@yolandaingram7378]

I love this quote! I Googled it because I want to reuse it and give attribution to the author. Google says that Bernard M. Baruch said it. I've never heard of that guy but also love Dr. Seuss.

[@broomhag]

TK makes so much sense when he says the devil is around us all the time. Well said.

[@wanderlust9081]

Great conversation 👍 I live in a rural and (still) wealthy area in Germany, and people in my age (56) act „upgrading“. Now we deserve a new big car, a sea cruise, a big RV….This goes on and on….I‘ve been a single mom for the last 13 years and now my youngest child is on her own. I moved from a house in a 1-room-apartment in February-and I love it. All these years of clutter with 3 children and I‘ve been a child of my time, means, I loved stuff and shopping in my younger years. But now is always the best time for a change and never to late. My cooking is simple now, my belongings are only a few. In my holidays I go hiking or biking with a tent. Now I‘m going to sell my car, because the public transportation is very good here. I am so sick of paying gas and the repairing. It makes me feel like a junkie, always complaining about the gas prices…..Don‘t need a car any longer and to give it away is my masterpiece of simplfy. 💪

[@leicia1994]

T.k. Coleman, you are a BEAUTIFUL addition this this group. Thank you for everything you’ve added this far to this podcast. - from a partreon since 2018

[@pfcheather]

TK is a national treasure ❤

[@cphrase]

TK is very good. You three together are perfect.

[@min_oaka2617]

Yes, instead of buying disinfectant wipes, I repurpose old or torn clothes by cutting them up and using them as rags. I save money and I help the environment.

[@Heavens-Humanaterian-Army]

Yep reusable is fantastic...especially baby items..I even learnt about elimination communication...so my last baby mostly just went toilet directly..and cloth nappy were there to protect my bedding cloths ect incase I wasn't prepared.

[@franmcdonald4702]

Great comment: you have to know where you're going in order to let go of the past.

[@Carcassbits11]

I've been off social media for a few years now, and I've been loving it. I did install reddit last year, and that became my next addiction. I uninstalled reddit, and I didn't miss it at all. Maybe those things added value to my life, but they definitely weren't the best use of my time. I'm better off without the temptation

[@Carcassbits11]

@Ali na absolutely I love youtube lol! At least I can play it while I'm doing other things like driving or cleaning

[@ginakessler2372]

Another great tip ,less is more keep on keeping on is my motto. Still decluttering and letting go its going on 2 years straight. Hard to believe how much stuff you can collect over time feels great letting go.

[@Heavens-Humanaterian-Army]

Absolutley agree...such a great feeling.

[@brg2743]

After decluttering for awhile, it really makes you see how much stuff you have. Geez!

[@allthreeofus4912]

“… if you’re going to be hated, you may as well get some thing out the deal…” come all the way into my life with that

[@Squintillions]

TK’s words from 37:08 on really resonated. It’s not a new idea, but definitely one that I need reminding about.

[@leslied.3156]

TK Coleman could write a book on this. So powerful!

[@shinobuchan]

Loved it. I'm in the middle of scanning lots of papers while listening to you, guys. Always a pleasure. And this episode for sure it's one of my favs!❤ Hugs from Uruguay!

[@sheilann0622]

Litter drives me crazy; LITTERALLY!

[@sanaahmed4817]

TK: people promise to love you if you compromise your true authenticity. Huge!

[@FisherOfMen705]

AHAHA when Josh said, "were shoulding all over ourselves" my coffee was like water spouting from an elephants trunk. Unintentional hilarity!

[@jeremytorgersen]

That was basically my experience as well haha!

[@Heavens-Humanaterian-Army]

😂😂😂😂😂I totaly envisioned that..hallerious 🐘🐘🐘

[@amandae5925]

TK! You said it so well. Thank you so much for that. It applies to so much more. You nailed it 🎉

[@taraleightaracumming6726]

It’s also the manufacturing of these things. It’s still there. The manufacturing of a good or services begins with them. Stop making so many things that need to be consumed. I like things, they make me FEEL good. A lot of our used clothing ends up in the landfill & overseas, I’m trying real hard to not consume BUT it’s everywhere we go. I grew up with nothing , so now , as an adult I can afford things and it’s nice to enjoy those things, I appreciate you all for helping me to be a better human,

[@matthewpasqua4804]

Again….TK hits it out of the park with those “devil” comments 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@TDeValcourt]

The comments about the devil from TK are perfect. Gonna get me a tshirt from Etsy with some of that on it. Thanks for all your points of view and great ideas.

[@KristiBranstetter]

It is all about what adds value... I don't want to be a minimalist just living a simplified life. I have noticed that it is much easier to clean my apartment now. And best of all it is cozy!

[@danicegewiss862]

When we bought this house it had a gas stove. The stove made me sick and was one extra bill so we got rid of the gas in our homes. We added a pellet stove which was supposed to be good for the planet. Then I found out forests were being knocked down to make the sawdust. Now we have an electric heat source which is cheaper and uses a great deal less electric than other electric systems. I support Free the Ocean by answering one question daily. I occasionally buy something which removes 5 pieces. I don't buy plastic wrap thanks to buying one of their items.

[@SosoXchan]

I just think that people totally forget the immense productioncosts of the new item that is technically better for the environment. in reality it would have been better for the environment to use the first thing until it breaks :-) just a thought..

[@josgoossens9059]

Thankyou Guys

[@kimberlyjohnson6052]

Thank you! ❤

[@lizzylaredo6783]

Mechanics love old clothes turned into rags. In Mexico , old clothes are cut up for rags and sold cheap to mechanics so everyone wins. Communities help each other in that way. But donating is definitely more gratifying if it's possible for you.

[@Heavens-Humanaterian-Army]

Another great use for old damagded clothes...garden mulch or weed barrier...it works great...natural materials are better for mulch and weed matting for synthetic.

[@fwb777]

Tk, very eloquent in your delivery

[@elaineclaire7063]

With every yes theres some form of clutter, can't wait to go intensive with you guys for the simplify course :) i truly appreciate what you are doing, and i hope to take those lessons and better equip for the future generations in Singapore over here since Singapore is just as bad when it comes to consumerism, especially teenagers these days. ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-yh9hj2ky8g]

I know you say that your short podcast is advertisement free however, one could argue that is is just one giant advertisement for your brand and longer form podcast.

[@lynnoorman2144]

In the UK charity shops get money ( by the kilo) for rag clothes that are too worn to sell. Also I cut mine up and use for rags rather than buy new paper products that are made using very nasty chemicals!

[@alanbirkner1958]

I filled a box with breakables for Goodwill. Padding was clothing my daughter didn't want. If I haven't used a craft item in a year, I give it away. I keep crafting tools in case I return to that craft. I saw a video on KZbin, the lady had 10 glue guns. I have one that I bought about 20 years ago. Tina, Al's wife

[@ireneturner9444]

WOW TK amen great word!! 37.08 🔥🔥🔥

[@oilexpertval]

I love her laugh!!!!😂

[@kiwikim5163]

Grove cleaning products at Target and online come in glass bottles. Refills come in ton bottle or they concentrated in little glass bottles with tin lids. If everyone cleaned this way, thin how many millions of tons of plastic will not be manufactured.

[@clairejackson1865]

When decluttering Terracycle may help!

[@JohnnyDLaw]

Thing is people want things just to finally get them and keep them somewhere gathering dust."Oh no these are my special sneakers i cant just wear them for the sake of it..i need a special occasion"...alot went into the creation of that product,USE IT please

[@sarahevans8831]

How to support the environment~ Buy Locally made products, support a local farmer, eat at restaurants that use biodegradable to go boxes if you need to use one, II thank Nature! actually- really directly express gratitude and love & appreciation to aspects of Nature that are all around me! IIf Ii order something through the mail, I consider the packaging and the distance... we can not be perfect but there are small tiny things that we can do that do affect the whole! Stay curious to find out new things about it~ like start to Compost!

[@julianskinner3697]

Only have natural fibres then if you worn to wear you can use as mulch.

[@lynnmillard1666]

A great example of humans using circumstances to improve Manufacturing: There is a swampy village in Asia somewhere. Can’t remember the name of it right now. But there is a weed plant that’s taking over their fishing village and ruining their economy, so the women of the village started harvesting this weed and making baskets out of it. Some people are taking retired plastics and making shoes out of them or clothing. Harvesting a new mineral that’s cheap and available to create new batteries that are environmentally friendly

[@goldengod.genesis]

Chicos me encanta escucharlos, será necesario tener ese exceso de redes sociales ?

[@shoppingislifeuk]

Very nice

[@lindaalaureano]

I've been decluttering my KZbin channel subscriptions but not the Minimalists.

[@treespirit2000]

Unusable clothes or fabrics can be donated to Good Will for export and recyclling. Many goods today are made from recycled fabrics.

[@diannasgardenmenagerie967]

I am more important then the items I cloth myself with!!!!

[@oxymoira]

Thanks for not pressing that button 🤣🤣🤣🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭

[@AkS143joyful]

I saw that vice news video and it was heartbreaking. The things we don’t know….

[@LarryP248]

I'm moved by the authentic voice of this content. A book with parallel ideas significantly changed my life. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze

[@cphrase]

Truth bomb at 36:48

[@majatomic4786]

Hi! Thanks for an interesting podcast. Thanks for answering my questions. Btw, my name is pronounced like Maya, not Maha. 😆😂

[@juliagrun7812]

I don't get it. I Think Pete didnt say that he does not know what to do about it - quite the OPPOSITE: declutter your Clouds and emails and you Help Reduce the Need for massive Storage Spaces!

[@majatomic4786]

Has the enrollment ended? It doesn't say so on your page and I can't see how to enroll. Tried to send a message under "Contact" but that didn't work.

[@arlenelicklider4643]

I am a crafter, old clothes are craft supplies.

[@mjsmith9889]

Threadup you can send your clothes there and they say they recycle them....I send stuff there that are holes in them and stuff. They send you a free bag or you can get a free label to send your clothes to.

[@26alexther]

That's what I need to do go through digital clutter. I have filled my Google account storage and I just don't want to pay to store more pics and videos. Any tips how to transfer Google media to a memory card??

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

or...Sustainable - an item that is used and can be re-used many times; that can also be recyclable.

[@dontmakepoorchoices]

What about in the winter when its cold and you need another blanket?

[@miriammyrsiades7932]

I would love be part of the “simplify everything” but it’s almost $300 and I don’t have 😢 Does anyone have a discount code?

[@pushstartplayer-1688]

Adds suck, also here is a 10min add for our course…

[@monny2382]

Make sanitary pads, pillows, rugs etc.

[@joeycredible]

Anyone know where I can hear more music from the arrist who did the outtro song?

[@mosheedy9862]

One area which might be fun to explore,how to declutter art work,art materials,art projects. Including ,is art clutter? This is challenge. My art your art may not land in a gallery,even worthy. So,now what?

[@diosadeamore]

I have the same issue....... It's hard to let go of things that one has created but there's only so much space we have! But we know the next person won't buy it 😂 Actually, I've been using old art on paper to use as wrapping paper for gifts. I'm now thinking that maybe taking a photo and getting it printed onto tshirts to wear might be another idea?

[@Lustful_Twilight]

I missed the open enrollment. Will it ever open back up?

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

Yes, we'll open enrollment again in the future.

[@bumblebee_mrs]

Why isn't TK included in the introduction of the Minimalists? I thought he was a host. Why exclude him? (btw: just my opinion).

[@beans4853]

I think he's a guest-host. Not full time partner

[@danicegewiss862]

Ryan and Josh are the Minimalists. TK is a regular guest host.

[@emmawagner471]

I agree, bumblebee. I thought they officially became a three man team. Ryan's intro should wait til TK is announced, then continue with..."and together, we're the minimalists!" And yeah, that's just my opinion.

[@nuttavut2528]

❤

[@pierremichelestival]

What are your favorite cloth brands for minimalists? Any tips?

[@danicegewiss862]

I buy secondhand clothes. The highest quality items that last longer are the cheapest. You're taking stuff someone else doesn't want. You can donate it to the place you bought it if you're not happy with it.

[@Monas99]

@pierremichelestival I only shop at vintage and second hand shops. I found some amazing, high quality clothes that are also very unique and get a lot of compliments. I haven't shopped in a regular store in over 5 years. It's cheaper, very unique, better quality than fast fashion clothing in the stores, and sustainable for my budget and the planet- it's a win-win all around!

[@abigailrijos9657]

Use the word rags to clean stuff

[@aliceqt6710]

36:49 ❤️

[@beans4853]

Best part is the girl cackling in the background

[@zygotecobb]

Yes, if you are into pitching newts into cauldrons.

[@lacsapdukeharm9547]

I am planning more declutter and giveaways this weekend. Bye Bye Stuff that adds no value.

[@MammaMo09]

Watching while I shop Amazon...😢

[@kennethbailey9853]

😂Yessss!😅😅😅

[@leeharrison8790]

Isn't it something to realize the cause & effect of unaware negative participation ... & than not support it thinking I done my part .. when in actuality the damage has been done & even if there's no longer support .. the future of the mess will most likely be adjusted or restructured .. sure your new adjustments will bring some satisfaction to your new selected options .. who among us do enough research to actually take into account the cause & effect of our own selected options comes with ... there's more far reaching negative cause & effect happening with using technology that folks aren't aware of ... your personal information is being gathered up & used beyond your control .. having no control ... the cause & effect of this , if you knew & disagreed with it's use .. after the fact , damage has already occurred ... it's so nice to live having no concern , without being aware ... your being negatively used , all while beneath your radar of knowledge ...How often is options selected because on the surface it sounds good ...or on the surface it sounds like it fit's your ideals ...

[@CG-wv6zg]

SO True! The amount of manipulation that is done with the information you put on line, the social media sites you interact with, the emails you sign up for, the people, groups, hobbies etc that you engage in…Someone out there is now dictating what comes up on your feed, the ads you see, the topics your suggested to check out… It’s a scary world when I let myself go down that rabbit hole.

[@sarahlockridge7879]

Don't let the Amish fool you.... They have cell phones, they have them hidden in places, they have cars hidden in places, they go to other people's barns and have phones set up. Up. I had one that was completely rude to me at the store the other day. I couldn't believe it. I don't know if she was self-righteous or what but it was really annoying.

[@janespitfire9884]

If the caller has clothes with holes....darn throw it away or make them rags.

[@abigailrijos9657]

Use them as rags

[@catmandoo3735]

My Android says I'm running out of storage which may slow down my phone. I have very few pictures on it since I take pictures at the time, send them to friends, and then delete them after a few days. I only have four apps that I downloaded myself; my pharmacy, my grocery store, my hair salon, and one game I play. The rest of the apps were already on my phone when I got it but I'm afraid to delete them because I don't know which ones affect the performance of my phone. A lot of them are related to Google since Google seems to be the "go to" company when it comes to the Android smart phone.

[@CG-wv6zg]

I agree! I have an Apple phone but it too came with preprogrammed apps that I don’t have the option to erase. I paid $1,000 for a phone and it’s being high jacked by the seller??? WTF

[@marlaj]

Only one of you have actually simplified your hair style ;)

[@aaron___6014]

Ad free, what exactly would you the talking at 15:07. To me it's a sales pitch promoting your course, i.e. an ad.

[@CG-wv6zg]

I understand where you’re coming from. I see what they “advertise” as information to an audience who follows them. I’ve never seem an “Ad” for the Minimalists books,events, or classes anywhere but on their podcast. I choose to follow them and I want to know what they are offering. That’s how I make the distinction.

[@aaron___6014]

@@CG-wv6zg there are other KZbinrs who say time for an Ad and they push their content or courses. An example is meet kevin.

[@aaron___6014]

@@CG-wv6zg their two Netflix docs

[@CG-wv6zg]

I see. I haven’t heard anyone do that before. Good point. Thanks for replying. 👍🏻😊

[@yveven]

So you refuse to see that the end of the world is indeed coming???

[@sarahbrauer103]

My question that often comes up as a listen is, how are they considering their cultural biases and what research and ways are they opening themselves to those who are not like them?

[@CG-wv6zg]

May I ask what you mean by “social biases”? And what “research” they would follow or participate in? I’ve never heard this mentioned before. And I’m truly interested in your comment. Not being snarky!

[@rebeccarendle3706]

I never leave "negative comments" but you guys just made me angry!☹️ You might be minimalists...but UNFORTUNATELY you still have the AMERICAN mindest of "I don't care if what I do is bad for the environment! .....most important thing is that it (my digital life) serves ME!"... first time I have been really disappointed in you guys and your response to questions! I am an environmental scientist and that guys question WAS so important to address!!!👍.. and all you guys did, was said "the real issue is, that the guy is OVERWHELMED by the digital world!"... a disgusting, dismissive, degrading, response GUYS!👎😡

[@SosoXchan]

Didnt they say that its an important topic and that they also see all the environmentalproblems? They just told the man that it cant be the reason for that man to clutter himself.

[@vintage_violet]

Yep, same, I thought they had no right to play armchair psychologist and just dismiss the big question being asked... I actually have similar questions! And we DO know that there are likely going to be dire consequences of continuing warming the planet, these guys are just not going to address it. They make too much $$$ off their digital presence to take it seriously I guess. :(

[@danielh6992]

Sorry to burst your bubble but could you all please minimise your speech because I get a headache when you all ramble on and on. Words also need to be minimised sometimes.

[@vintage_violet]

Seriously!! 👍😅

[@lobodread]

Look for a psychiatrist, it’s urgent.